Of all the tunnels that lead into the City of Pittsburgh, this is the best one. As soon as you exit, you've got an amazing view of downtown spread out in front of you. The Point (Point State Park and its fountain), Mon (Monongahela) River...one of three that come together (the other two are the Allegheny and Ohio rivers), Fort Pitt Bridge, and the skyline of downtown. It's truly a glorious sight. However, getting through the tunnel from Parkway West (376 West) can be less than glorious as the two-lane highway often bottlenecks into the tunnel when traffic is the most backed up. But, take a deep breath, proceed with caution, and enjoy that beautiful landscape that is Pittsburgh. read more

The first time I came to Pittsburgh I approached through the Fort Pitt Tunnel. I had no idea the city, with its skyline and yellow bridges over the river confluence, was going to suddenly and dramatically reveal itself to me. It's a nice long tunnel, too, just to heighten the drama. Well, it's a long tunnel to get through a damn mountain but it has that effect as well. I don't even know why I ended up coming that way as I was driving from Detroit and much to my disappointment last month Google Maps didn't direct me through this epic tunnel but instead chose a more direct, sensible route, robbing us of the sudden reveal I'd raved to my dad about. It was an approach much like any approach to just about any city. Never fear - the Holiday Inn Express I'd coincidentally booked meant we'd travel to PNC Park for all 3 Tigers games there through the Fort Pitt Tunnel and be hit with BAM!!! YOU'RE SUDDENLY DOWNTOWN!! every time. And unlike almost every bridge we crossed over traffic wasn't absolutely logjammed through this tunnel. It'd slow down but it wasn't stop and go sea of taillights lighting up red for miles like the bridges sometimes were. And it afforded a little more breathing room before breaking out into four off ramps to choose from than the bridges. Actually it lets out onto a bridge after which you better be in the right lane for one of three choices. Old hat for locals I'm sure and most people are cool about letting people over but I'm glad the tunnel lets you emerge back into daylight or nighttime and the downtown view and reorient yourself for a few seconds before you hit some spaghetti junction. Anyways, great tunnel and it had been a very long time since I've driven through one besides something brief on the freeway. I'm sitting in Hart Plaza trying to figure out the last time I've driven through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. At any rate I like the Fort Pitt Tunnel better. read more

The Fort Pitt Tunnel opened in 1960, and it cuts under Mount Washington and connects the Western suburbs with downtown Pittsburgh. The tunnel consists of two bores that each have two lanes of vehicular traffic. Fun fact: The Fort Pitt Tunnel appeared in the 2012 movie "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," when the actress Emma Watson stood in the back of a speeding truck and stretched her arms in the air. The Fort Pitt Tunnel, though, is most known for its inbound tunnel that opens to a stunning view of downtown Pittsburgh's skyline. Both first-time visitors of Pittsburgh as well as long-time residents enjoy this view of the yellow Fort Pitt Bridge, the Monongahela River meeting the Allegheny River at the Point, and the many skyscrapers jutting into the sky. Over the years, I have driven through this tunnel many, many times. Sometimes the traffic moves slowly, but I always enjoy the view of the city. read more

Fort Pitt Tunnel - Interior of the inbound tunnel - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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--Location/Parking-- THE tunnel entering Pittsburgh through the mouth of the mountain. --Ambience-- At first it is just a tunnel, but when you are Ubering or driving through the tunnel you realize how long the tunnel is. --Service/Staff-- Pittsburgh rush hour. I don't recommend. Leisure weekend will give you time to enjoy the drive through the tunnel. --Capacity-- Capcity is based on the rush hour traffic. --Overall-- One of the man-made marvels that you have to experience and realize the engineering aspect of digging a tunnel through a mountain. read more

I mean... it's a tunnel. But a long one -- and the kids love counting the seconds as we drive through. The traffic is what you need to avoid! But once you're IN the tunnel, the experience is always the same. Best to avoid standard rush hours, as well as weekend evenings when everyone is heading into the city. read more

Fort Pitt Tunnel - Here we go! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

If one wants to enter Pittsburgh in a dramatic fashion, my partner's family and I can suggest to travel beneath Mount Washington via the Fort Pitt Tunnel. It carries Interstate 376, US 22, US 30, and US 19 truck between downtown Pittsburgh and its West End neighborhood. Before entering the tunnel at its southwest end, one sees a commonplace view of western Pennsylvania's rolling green hills, but upon exiting at the northeast end, one sees a spectacular view of Pittsburgh Skyline. read more

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Awesome Pittsburgh tunnel. Love the ceramic tile. I give 5 stars as it was a good experience each trip through and that cell coverage is good through the entire tunnel. read more

Fort Pitt Tunnel - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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What a way to enter Pittsburgh , from the mouth of a tunnel under a mountain. It was so cool. Just seeing it online did not do it any justice. It was surreal. And I just love the ceramic tiles on the walls in the tunnel!! read more

The tunnel itself is very nice. It took us about a minute to go through, as traffic was moving promptly, and the view when you come out and look over at Pittsburgh is just wonderful! I'm sure if you arrive during rush hour it's probably not as thrilling depending on your wait. But we arrived at just the right off time to really enjoy going through and seeing the lovely view of the skyline. read more

It's a scene from the movie, the Perks of Being a Wallflower. You are sliding through a zone of sensory deprivation, then suddenly, the cityscape is thrust before you and you are dazzled by rivers, fountain, skyscrapers, boats and trees. It could be your first glimpse of Pittsburgh, and most residents fall in love with it over the years. It's a welcome home after an extended, exhausting trip, and a reminder of everything you love about this place. It's to be enjoyed, shared and celebrated. It's unique and it rarely gets old. If you have never visited Pittsburgh, keep your head up and look for it, you won't be disappointed. read more

I have a big heart for this one because the tunnel is pretty amazing. It makes for such a huge straight line instead of a massive detour around Mount Washington and then into downtown. It's easy, it's clean, it's FREE and it works very, very well. Please pay attention as you're driving, watch the road and the cars in front of you and don't change lanes. While this tunnel is amazing at keeping the traffic moving, it really doesn't take much to completely F it up. Love the view as you come out from the tunnel and onto the bridge. Wowza! read more

Fort Pitt Tunnel - Welcome to downtown Pittsburgh! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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This is an awesome total that I look forward to every time we visit Pittsburgh we drive through interstate interstate interstate and then all the sudden come through the tunnel Bam there's a beautiful bridge the beautiful stadium and just the amazing atmosphere of the city got a love it read more

I read recently that people call coming into the city through the Fort Pitt Tunnels as a Yinzgasm. And I can see it...or maybe more so I have seen it. It's what makes sitting in the horrible backed up traffic so worth it. I would say that this is Pittsburgh's front door. If people call Point State Park our welcoming mat, this has to be the city's front door. It's like the city of Pittsburgh is saying, "Hello, welcome to City of Bridges. Named the 'Best Place to Live' several times." I'm sure anyone visiting this city for the first time are very impressed when they come here from the airport. It's one asset that we are lucky to have. read more

Another magnificent landmark in one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. I truly love Pittsburgh with all of the gorgeous bridges and The Fort Pitt Tunnel welcoming you to the city. It is a remarkable structure. Matthew U. said it best..."The Fort Pitt Tunnel is Pittsburgh"s Front Door." Why plagiarize...I can't say it any better than that. Give that man a standing O.....slow clap... read more

Good in the middle of the night or early morning, horrible during rush hour. It gets one more star than the Squirrel Hill Tunnel, just because it is the gateway to Pittsburgh, and that view coming out of the tunnel into the city is strikingly phenomenal!!! read more

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I am convinced that Dr. Seuss himself must have planned the insane network of overpasses leading from this tunnel into this lovely city, but I must say that the breathtaking view of the city, particularly at night-time, is a "top 10" sight for my list. (This view is so nice, that we are actively seeking out a great night photo of downtown from Mt. Washington that we can have nicely framed and centered in our living room.) The tunnel itself is awesome, old-school style, as it's a square tile-lined chute that propels visitors into this great city as they arrive from the airport. No, it's not bare walled concrete BS that most tunnels are styled in; it's the beautiful, "we need to make this tunnel clean, aesthetic, and practical," style. Kindo of like in "the Matrix." Remeber when the Cohen Brothers made that s**t look incredible? Yeah, the Fort Pitt Tunnel is that, only 'Burgh style. I love it! I can't remember a single person who's come to visit us that wasn't completely "wow-ed" by the awesome introduction to the 'Burgh. Yeah, so even though I could sneak across the Ohio River on I-79 instead to get home after a long trip, I always opt for this route, just to say "Hi" to this awesome city once again. It's always worth it! read more

First, I think it is crazy that people have posted reviews about a tunnel, but since I saw them, I figured I mine as well add my comments. I think the traffic engineer who designed the tunnel didn't live in reality because too many lanes of traffic merge and there are always back ups. What they did get right was creating a real entrance to the city. I joked that they should post a warning sign in the tunnel for unsuspecting motorists that says something like "warning: the end of this tunnel opens to a remarkable view of the downtown Pittsburgh" Or maybe part of what makes it so special is the surprise element. Whether you are entering the city for the first time or you are on your way home, you get an exquisite view that almost makes waiting in the inevitable traffic worth it. read more

The Fort Pitt Tunnel is a great access point to downtown Pittsburgh with views that rival none. I remember growing up and my little brother and I trying to hold our breath from "ugly Pittsburgh" (before the tunnel) to "pretty Pittsburgh." Coming out of that tunnel is like erupting into the most picturesque skyline! Minus one star because people insist on slowing down and not maintaining speed. Not the tunnels fault, but life's not fair. Oh and if you want to see a kid perplexed, point out that cars are level with each other on one end and on top of each other on the City side! read more

5 stars because I always have nightmares going through both sides. Traffic Traffic Traffic and everyone's speeding I hate merging on the way to the tunnel on the Pittsburgh side like I said it's a Nightmare but I guess Thank God it's there read more

Is there anything more inspiring, more dramatic than seeing our metropolitan skyline as you arrive into Pittsburgh via the Fort Pitt Tunnel, the Liberty Tunnel's younger and more beautiful sister? She looks radiant for 50, her Southern and Northern marblestone faces glowing in the sunshine, smoldering after dark. To take a ride through the Fort Pitt Tunnel going inbound towards Downtown Pittsburgh is to know joy. The tiles on the walls glisten, the lights above you race until they become a single stream of energy, and before you know it, you have officially arrived...in more ways than one. As strange as this might sound, I've always found traveling through this tunnel, also carved into Mt. Washington, to be somewhat thrilling, like I'm being hurled into a portal that leads into the future. After three decades of living in Pittsburgh, The Fort Pitt Tunnel still impresses me, fascinates me, and rejuvenates my appreciation for my hometown. My only wish is that motorists would stop slowing down as they approach it. There's no traffic light to hold people up, yet they crawl into the tunnel as if they're riding on the backs of frightened mules. read more

It is best to ride through this tunnel if you are a passenger. How else can you check into it? Reception is bad inside but that is true of most tunnels. Sure if you are heading inbound you have a brief glimpse of the city skyline on the Fort Pitt bridge but that only last for a few moments especially if you need to merge with the traffic coming off West Carson St. The same is true on the approach. Normally traffic is backed up all the way up Greentree Hill and I referring to off rush hour times as well. You then have to deal with traffic merging from Banksville Road and then you have two exits prior to the tunnel entrance. Keep in mind there was and I'm not sure still is a height restriction for trucks. Inside there are two single lanes that you are prohibited to switch until you emerge from the tunnel. Now let's talk about the reverse route. This way is even more horrid because you have traffic coming off the Parkway East, Liberty Ave, the Fort Duquesne bridge, and Fort Duquesne Blvd. This traffic is very difficult especially if you have to merge right when cars are flying past you out of nowhere. If you happen to be on the far left lane you are okay but the one next to it has all the people merging into you because the two right lanes exit off to West Carson St. I try to avoid this tunnel at all costs by using the West End bridge which also gives you a nice view of the Point if you are a passenger. I must stress that because if you are driving your focus is on the road. Finally let's not forget about the construction projects that abound on both sides of the tunnel when it is off peak. If you want to see the city in all it's beauty then head up to Mt.Washington and you can catch breathtaking views from both the incline and some of the overhangs and not risk your life in doing so. read more

This is one of the biggest headaches of my life. I don't understand why there's always traffic in or out bound. The only time that there isn't traffic is late night/early morning. I don't believe anyone has the answers to why everyone breaks before going into the tunnel, but when you get out there's nothing but open road. This tunnel is definitely a nightmare to anyone who is not from here. If you're busting the city and coming east from the Parkway, once you exit the tunnel the signs are too difficult to digest and your GPS isn't updating fast enough because it lost signal while everyone was breaking to enter the tunnel. Heaven forbid if you're in the far right lane and need to take the North Shore exit. It's the most anxiety stricken 5-10 seconds of your life. I remember my first time coming out of that tunnel. I asked myself, "what man designed this?" If port authority could install wifi while I wait in traffic, my battery and sanity would thank you!!! read more

Another Pittsburgh landmark, this is the tunnel that allows the city to have an entrance. Coming east from 376, you pass the rolling hills with no sign of tall buildings, rivers, or bridges, all synonymous with Pittsburgh. Then you going through the 3100 foot Fort Pitt Tunnels and on the east end of the tunnel Pittsburgh appears in front of you as you cross the Fort Pitt Bridge. Boring of this tunnel started in 1958, the tunnel opened Sept, 1, 1960. 170,000 vehicles pass through these tunnels daily. read more

Not too long ago, I worked in Green Tree (no this isnt deja-vu of another review, I've literally worked everywhere!) As much as I disliked that call center job and the traffic on the way home, I always made sure to appreciate 'the light at the end of the tunnel' - or in this case the view at the end of the tunnel. It's so amazing and something I always look forward too. We are so lucky to have that unexpected, breathtaking view of our city! "The city with an entrance!" read more

Huh. So we can add this tunnel to my list of "oddball topics I've written Yelp reviews about." Also: 5 stars, really? Like, I appreciate that the skyline when you head downtown is beautiful. But...honestly, how are you guys finding time between driving your car safely out of the tunnels and between lanes to appreciate that skyline? That's a serious question. During most of the day and some evenings depending on what's happening in the city, if you try to head downtown via this tunnel you inevitability have to deal with four lanes of traffic try to merge into two, resulting in constant slowdowns made worse by the locals who suddenly slam on their breaks as soon as they enter the tunnel because...uh, I really don't know why. It's one of da 'Burgh's greatest mysteries. Then when you exit, you have about 300 feet to merge from one of your two lanes into one of four that you need - god forbid if you need the one on the far left or right and you're on the other side! Navigating traffic and avoiding being hit is a daily nightmare as I try to get to work, which is why you will never see me check into this tunnel on a daily basis even though I pass through them every day - I'm a bit busy saving my neck and keeping my car in one piece. So, seriously, how do any of you have time to enjoy the skyline after dealing with the nightmare of trying not to hit every other driver who's ALSO trying to merge between lanes? It's a complete nightmare. NOT a five star experience at all. Also, any reviews about the skyline conveniently ignore that lots of us use this tunnel to go in the other direction, which just repeats the merging traffic nightmare I mentioned above...and boy, I sure hope you're not one of the poor people trying to go to the airport who's gotten stuck in a line of traffic BACK TO THIS TUNNEL. The miles of traffic are not the kind of view you came here to enjoy, I'm sure. These tunnels are a necessary evil in my book, and I never look forward to dealing with them. Enjoy your skyline - don't hit me as you do, please! read more

If you look closely at that graffiti as you drive through especially from the driver side you'll notice "we are family" written in an ancient Native American script depicting 8 figures grouped around 1 slightly larger figure with a vague but noticeable # 8 on its upper torso. Lol, a checking at one of the most famous tunnels in sports. Love it, hope you're not reading this while driving unless you can multitask like a pro then cool! Be careful. read more

A must see for everyone new to Pittsburgh! The Fort Pitt tunnels can get pretty backed up around rush hour but what do you expect? It's awesome when you can catch it at the right time & just coast right on through. Outside of the tunnels you get an zing view of Pittsburgh which looks amazing day or night. Must see! read more

This is an excellent tunnel. Yes, I'm serious. Here's why. First, how many big metros even have a tunnel? Exactly. Next, emerging from this tunnel into downtown is a bit of an event. You enter on an almost rural interstate highway and pop out downtown. As a tunnel, this horizontal hole also serves a great function, permitting continuous traffic flow under Mount Washington. If you don't like it, stop to contemplate your alternatives. read more

A Pittsburgh landmark! This tunnel is old and been here for quite the time. I feel like everyone in Pittsburgh has a love hate relationship for it. I think the mornings and night are a hit or miss on traffic being sometimes there's construction slowing things down. And rush hour traffic here is a nightmare between 4 to 6. One thing I can say is people coming from the airport into town or just coming out the other side it's just a huge shot of the city. To the left you have the stadium, casino, science center. To the right you have giant buildings a shot of the river and it just a all around good view. All traffic issues aside this tunnels great. It's a must see for anyone new to the area. read more

(1) Whoever was the traffic engineer that designed two major highways merging onto a two lane tunnel was not a very forward thinking individual who'd take into account ever increasing car-traffic. They must be related to the traffic engineers that designed Settler's Ridge. (2) No matter how bad traffic can get, the sights are simply breath taking. When you're driving into town and you come across that tunnel...you come into the skyline at just the perfect distance. Far enough to see it all, but close enough where you know it's a unique "first-view" of a city. read more

Up really late...This is bullshit! Went through a tunnel...at night, and suddenly "welcome to Pittsburgh"... The lights of the city were spread out...seemed like all around....came in through the Fort Pitt tunnel...The Fort Pitt Tunnel is west of downtown on Parkway West... read more

This is one of the most fantastic tunnels you will do through. I met my wife here. And although she ended up cheating on me with my dad , I don't regret the amazing times we had in the tunnel..lost one star due to lack of cell phone service read more

This tunnel is a big, giant WELCOME HOME. 'nuff said!

After a ride through the dirty tunnel, the Pittsburgh skyline will take your breath away every time.

yeah, it's a tunnel. it works. haven't been stuck in long lines to get in. the views coming out are much nicer. glad i didn't have to pay a toll! read more